Discover The Top Dishes To Relish In Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar's culinary heritage blends Mughlai and Persian influences, offering flavorful dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and Dum Aloo. From savory meats like Gushtaba to sweet delights like Modur Pulao and Phirni, the city provides a rich gastronomic experience. Traditional beverages like Kahwa further enhance the vibrant food culture.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, is famous for its enchanting natural beauty and also for its rich culinary heritage. There is a special kind of cuisine that combines with Mughlai and Persian elements that makes it very diverse. Here are some of the best dishes you must try when visiting Srinagar.

Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is one of the most popular dishes to have originated from Kashmiri cuisine. It is made up of succulent pieces of meat (usually lamb or goat) prepared in yogurt based gravy which has saffron strands and a combination of various spices from Kashmir. This dish has a bright red color and complex flavors making it likable by both visitors and locals.

Yakhni

Yakhni is a traditional Kashmiri dish comprising tender morsels of meat, usually chicken or mutton, cooked with an aromatic blend of spices like fennel seeds, cloves and cardamom pods in yogurt based curry. The slow cooking melds the flavors into a creamy comforting taste served with steamed rice.

Dum Aloo

Dum Aloo is a well known vegetarian dish from Kashmiri cuisine in which baby potatoes are cooked in spicy gravy made from tomatoes, yogurt and other spices mixed together. In this recipe the potatoes are fried until tender then they are simmered in sauce till they get saturated with spiced yogurt.

Modur Pulao

Modur Pulao also known as kashmiri sweet pulao is fragrant rice cooked using ghee , saffron strands and dry fruits such as raisins and almonds .It brings together swedish savory tastes thus being used during special days in kashmiris home.

Gushtaba

Gushtaba is a traditional kashmiri dish that consists of very fine ground meatballs made from lamb or mutton and cooked in creamy yogurt sauce. It is seasoned with spices such as cloves, cardamom, cinnamon etc. This gives the dish an exuberant and sumptuous taste; it is always served with steamed rice or naan bread.

Kashmiri Pulao

Kashmiri pulao refers to aromatic rice prepared with saffron strands, dry fruits inclusive of almonds, cashew nuts and raisins. The taste is mildly sweet because of the various aromatic spices like cloves, cardamom and cinnamon sticks used in the preparation process. This pilaf makes a perfect accompaniment for spicy meats and is therefore commonly eaten during festive seasons.

Harissa

Harissa this winter time Kashmiri delicacy has slowly cooked meat (mostly lamb or chicken) mixed with grounded wheat resulting in a thick soup. It gets its flavor from spices such as cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods and cloves, traditionally cooked overnight in big pots to get a rich creamy texture.

Kahwa

Kahwa is a traditional green tea -popularly known as Kashmiri- infused with saffron strands ,cardamom pods ,cinnamon bark and crushed almond seeds .This drink does not need milk and it's hot therefore serving as stimulating beverage for all day long .It also has numerous health benefits thus offered as welcoming drink to guests.

Sheermal

Sheermal, a sugared bread, is common in Kashmiri cuisine and is prepared from sugar, flour, milk and saffron. In tandoor (a clay oven), bake the bread until it turns into a yellowish brown color and is a little bit crispy on the outside but inside still remains soft and fluffy. Often, sheermal is served with kebabs or enjoyed as a sweet snack on its own.

Phirni

Phirni is a chilled dish of creamy rice pudding flavored with saffron, cardamom and nuts that is traditionally served in earthenware bowls. Its consistency is rich and velvety thus making phirni a popular dessert in Kashmiri cuisine especially during festive seasons.

The food culture of Srinagar reveals the huge cultural fabric woven together by each dish with traditions passed down over generations as well as culinary skills that are used to prepare them. Whether you are savoring the bold flavor of Rogan josh or indulging yourself in the mild sweetness of Kashmiri Pulao you are sure to remember your gastronomic journey through Srinagar because while doing so they will have left you some unforgettable memories about their hospitality and love for cooking.